This week second graders joined students across the nation in participating in an Hour of Code. This is "a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics." (code.org) Building on last week’s learning, students were ready to jump into several hands-on experiences. Working collaboratively, second graders built block mazes with specific numbers of turns, then used words/commands that provide specific directions and instructions to guide a moving object in navigating the maze successfully. Trying to make our mazes navigable for Hexbugs required lots of critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills. It also required students to test and revise their maze and programming language. Students then used iPad apps to further explore the basics of computer programming. Second graders understand now that coding is a language, much like the languages they speak. Our Hour of Code experience was engaging and exciting for all!
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